Can opener



G. STORY CAN OPENER Oct. 14, 1952 Filed Oct. 23, 1950 v: R O T S G INVENTOR BY I ' ATTORNEY This invention relates to can opening devices and has reference to an opener for punching pouring holes in the ends of cylindrical cans.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a punch type can opener in which the length or the can being opened is used as a lever for piercing and forming the pouring hole.

Another object of the invention is to provide an opener of the described class for quickly and easily opening many cans within a short period of time. as required in commercial establishments serving canned cold drinks.

Another object is to provide a stationary punch type can opener including a can rim engaging hook for carrying out the referred to lever operation, and which hook is visible to the operator's sight for quickly placing the can in position for the punching operation.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a punch type can opener embodying the features of the invention, and including a base for securing the opener to a horizontal surface. a

Figure 2 is a side elevation of a modified form of the invention for attachment to a vertical surface.

Figure 3 is an enlarged broken elevation and sectional view showing the relative positions of the hole punching blade and the vent hole punch in the angularly positioned arm, included in both illustrated forms of the invention.

The form of the invention shown in Figure 1 includes a flat oblong base I having a flat vertical member I I integral with one end thereof. An integral arm I2 extends outwardly and upwardly from the upper end of the vertical member II so as to form an obtuse angle therebetween. The base It includes screw receiving holes I3 for securing the entire assembly to a counter, shelf or the like; and similar holes It are formed through the vertical member II for securing assembly to a vertical surface, such as a wall, if desired. Spaced vertical webs I5 are formed between the vertical member II and the base I0 where they are joined with each other for added strength.

The outer or forward end I3 of the arm I2 is beveled downwardly and inwardly toward the vertical member II and includes a slot I1 shaped to receive the length or a rectangular flat blade body I8 having a downwardly and outwardly curved pointed blade I9 on the lower end thereof. The blade body is detachably secured in place by means of a screw 20 positioned therethrough and threadedly engaged in a tapped hole 2I in and UNITED, .STATES- PATENT .,orF1-ce v :ay; ,1 2',613435 i .gi i V I sts;

Geflll'o Story, r d-rt Wortin Te a p tion October 23, 1925', gra s 3Claims. (one perpendicular to'thebeveled end I8 of the arm I2. Between the body I3 and the blade I9 there is a bend 22 from which a relatively narrow depending and inwardly directed hook 23 is formed. The bend 22 and the hook 23 receive and engage the projecting seam or rim 24 of the can 25 to be opened. When so positioned, the length of the can 25 is substantially horizontal, and the point of the blade I9 is against the end of the can.

On the lower surface of the arm l2, and spaced from the rim engaging hook 23, at a distance slightly less than the diameter or the can 25, there is a downwardly directed and relatively long piercing punch 26. The piercing punch 26 is shouldered, as at 21, and is additionally provided with threads 23 for engaging the piercing punch 26 in the arm I2, in the manner illustrated in Figure 3.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figure 3 includes the described upwardly and outwardly directed supporting arm I2, together with the blade I9 and piercing punch 25 mounted thereon; but differs in that the vertical member 29 supporting said arm is round on its lower end 30, and does not include the base I0. Screws 3i through holes 32 in the vertical member 29 secure the latter to a vertical surface 33.

The operation of both forms of the invention is the same. The rim 24 is engaged by the hook 23 with the point of the blade I5, against the end of the can 25. When so positioned the length of the can 25 is substantially horizontal and provides a lever for punching a pouring hole (not shown) in the end of the can when the latter is pressed or moved downwardly in an are about the hook 23 which serves as a fulcrum. The continued arcuate movement of the can 25 causes the piercing punch 26 to form a vent hole (not shown) in the end of the can and in the opposite side thereof from the pouring hole. It will be noted that the mechanical advantage for punching and forming the pouring hole is the ratio of the length of the can 25 to the distance between the point of the blade I9 and the projecting end of the hook 23. The force required for forming the vent hole is relatively small by reason of small diameter of the piercing punch 26 and its relatively long and sharp point. The described position of the arm I2 and the visible location of the hook 23 with respect thereto provide for quickly engaging said hook on the projecting can rim 24.

The invention is not limited to the constructions herein shown and described, but may be made in many ways within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An opener for punching a pouring hole in the end of a cylindrical can, said opener comprising a vertical supporting member, an arm projecting upwardly and outwardly from said support and including a beveled end downwardly and inwardly inclined toward the longitudinal center line of said vertical member, a fiat blade body secured to said beveledend and, including a triangular blade depending beneath'saidarni. said blade being outwardly curved with respect to the length of said arm, and a hook depending from said blade at a location near said blade body and having the end thereof generally in rected toward the concave surface qi saigl; 2. In combination with an ppener deil'ned in claim 1, a relatively long andpointe'dpii' n8"- punch projecting from the lower surfaceiof said arm at a distance from said hook less d mete at t c n basses-1% from said blade at a location near said blade body and having the end thereof generally directed toward the concave surface of said blade.

GETHRO STORY.

No references cited. 

